February 2025 Funding | $897,000
We are excited to announce $897,000 in funding for three transformative projects this month, each designed to create lasting impact in communities worldwide impacting 35,535 people. From supporting microentrepreneurs in Ecuador to empowering smallholder farmers in Nigeria, and improving children's access to healthy, sustainable food in England, these carefully selected programs represent our dedication to fostering sustainable economic growth and resilience where it's needed most.
Fundacion Espoir|Ecuador
Fundacion Espoir, a new Whole Planet parter, will receive a $350,000 3-year zero percent interest loan that will fund two distinct micro-loans programs. The first will support Communal Bank loans that provide small scale loans to Ecuadorian women living in poverty. The second micro-loan program—in partnership with HIAS Ecuador— supports refugees from Venezuela, Colombia, and Haiti. This funding will enable Fundacion Espoir to expand its reach from 36,739 to 41,464 active borrowers, serving vulnerable populations who typically live on about $2.90 per day and have limited access to traditional financial services.
Nuru Nigeria|Nigeria
Nuru Nigeria, a first-time Whole Planet partner, will receive a $297,000 3-year grant to empower smallholder farmers in conflict-vulnerable areas by establishing Village Savings and Loan Associations and other cooperatives that support farmer-led agribusinesses. This grant will enable Nuru Nigeria to expand into a new community, providing climate-smart agriculture support and financing loans for 2,000 new smallholder farmers in a challenging environment marked by climate issues and insecurity.
School Food Matters|England
School Food Matters, a longtime Whole Kids partner, will receive a $250,000 one-year grant to fund their edible education work. This includes School Garden Grants, a Honeybee Program, and Schools to Market. These programs will serve 75 higher-need K-12 schools in England. To date, Whole Foods Market Foundation has contributed $1.4M in funding to School Food Matters!